A competitor died during the swim portion of the Singapore International Triathlon on Sunday (10 Sept), the Triathlon Association of Singapore (TAS) said in a statement.

The man, identified in media reports as Steve Begley, 42, was given immediate medical assistance and resuscitation was attempted by a doctor using an Automated External Defibrillator. He was transported to Singapore General Hospital for treatment, but could not be revived.

“We have established contact with his family and we will do our best to render them any assistance they may require at this point in time. We are saddened and all our prayers are with his family at this time,” TAS said.

Begley was a former rugby star in Glasgow, Scotland, The Scottish Sun reported. He had moved to Singapore 10 years ago to work in the financial services industry.

The initial autopsy found that Begley had a previously undetected heart condition, TAS told The Scottish Sun.

The Singapore International Triathlon, which includes swimming, cycling and running, was the first such event here when it began in 1984 and has attracted thousands of athletes from around the world.